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Real Madrid is considering adding a right-back in January, according to reports in Spain.
The European champions’ interest in a new full-back is hardly a secret and the club saw a bid for Trent Alexander-Arnold knocked back on New Year’s Eve. There is still a growing belief that the Liverpool defender will end up at the Bernabeu next summer, but that doesn’t address Real’s deficiencies this season.
Those were highlighted again at the weekend as Los Blancos conceded five against rivals Barcelona, with 32-year-old winger Lucas Vazquez playing at right-back given Dani Carvajal is out for the remainder of the season with an injury.
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As per Madrid-based publication AS, the ongoing issues at right-back could force Real into the January market. They claim debate about signing another right-back in addition to Alexander-Arnold has ‘intensified’, with the club considering making an ‘exception’ this year.
AS adds that the coaching staff think a January addition at right-back is ‘necessary’ but the board are not certain, and only a loan or cheap option would be considered. That rules out the likes of Pedro Porro, Jeremie Frimpong and Denzel Dumfries.
The report states that two names are being strongly considered: Alex Jimenez and Reece James. The latter would be a huge risk given his injury record and, despite being club captain, a move for the Chelsea defender on a short-term basis does seem possible.
As for Jimenez, the 19-year-old was a Real player up until last summer before he signed for AC Milan. The Spaniard has played in Milan’s last seven games and is also capable of playing at left-back.
Serge Aurier has emerged as an unlikely transfer target for Real Madrid.
Other names being considered are Juanlu Sanchez, Andrei Ratiu and Jon Aramburu, all of whom play in La Liga. Inter Milan’s Benjamin Pavard is another option as is Serge Aurier. The former Tottenham Hotspur defender would provide a short-term solution and is a free agent after his contract with Galatasaray expired last summer.
Liverpool.com says: While on the surface, Real considering a move for another right-back could be considered good news for Liverpool fans, that only a short-term option is being talked about is a concern. It very much indicates that the club has big plans lined up in the summer.